5 Secrets to Fighting Dog Bad Breath

How can something so cute be so stinky?

As you’re well aware, dogs aren’t immune to bad breath. They can get bad breath just like us humans, especially when their oral care is being … how do we put this … forgotten about. In fact, bad breath in dogs is often an early warning sign of periodontal disease.

Did you know that more than 80 percent of dogs have early stages of gum disease by age 3?!

As with most things, prevention is the best method – but if your dog already has bad, stinky dog breath, there are some easy steps you can take to turn the tides and give your pet better doggie breath.

This is still the best way to cure doggie bad breath. Brushing your dog’s teeth will keep plaque and tartar from building up. The less plaque, tartar, and decay – the fresher your dog’s breath will be. It’s best to brush your dog’s teeth daily with a toothbrush specifically designed for dogs.

Important: use toothpaste for dogs, and never use toothpaste formulated for humans. Fluoride can be harmful to dogs, since they don’t know how to spit it out like we do. Also, it’s best to choose a pet toothpaste that isn’t flavored. Artificial meaty flavors can make dog bad breath worse, and most pets aren’t a fan of mint. Odorless and tasteless is the way to go.

2. Use a Quality Water Additive

This can be a great solution for bad dog breath since most of us don’t have the time or desire to brush our dog’s teeth. The important thing is to use a water additive that’s specifically made for animal use, and preferably one recommended by your vet.

Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive has been vet-recommended for over 30 years. Consider sending a link to your vet to see if they would recommend it for your dog. Again – make sure you choose a product that is odorless and tasteless, so your dog won’t even know it’s there.

For better doggie breath, chew toys and treats are no doubt your dog’s favorite way to scrape away plaque. But the kind of treats and toys matter.

• Knucklebones, rubber or nylon toys. Their rough and bumpy surfaces remove plaque, feel good and won’t cause fractures.
• Dental treats that have received the Registered Seal by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
• Raw bones. They’re great for removing plaque because they’re mildly abrasive, flex around the teeth, and have enzymes that fight bacteria.
• Earth-friendly products or organic labels. These products are less likely to have toxic materials.

• Hard plastic bones, cow hooves, ice cubes, bully sticks, and bones from steak, rib or ham shank. These can hard on your pet’s teeth and cause fractures.
• Cooked bones. They can splinter and cause your dog to choke.
• Toys treated with fire retardants or stain guard. They can contain formaldehyde and other chemicals.
• Treats with BHA. This additive and cancer-causing compound is in many dog treats.

Keep in mind that these products only work as a supplement to doggie dental care. You can also ask your vet for recommendations that would be safe for your dog.

Dogs are natural carnivores, and foods filled with grains won’t do much for their health … or their dental health. Carbs like to stick to the teeth after coming in contact with saliva, causing plaque to form.

Additionally, protein coming from soy and corn can be hard for your pet to digest. There are many myths about dog foods. Make sure to do your homework and choose a quality high-protein food with real meat.

A check-up with your veterinarian is the best way to know what to do with your dog’s bad breath. Your vet will be able to tell you if there are any underlying medical conditions like gastrointestinal or liver ailments that could be causing that stinky dog breath.

The easiest and most effective way to get rid of stinky dog breath, to clean your dog’s teeth every day. Just do your part.

Psst … need a hint on an super easy way to fight doggie bad breath and even cat bad breath with just a capful a day? Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive. All it takes is one capful in your dog or cat’s drinking water each day! That’s it.